AHJSA Match Reports

A blustery and chilly morning saw the Hahndorf parents set sail for Nairne. After a positive looking surf report we expected a decent swell but arrived to find a pitch suitable for football. 

Hahndorf got off to a flying start with Will scoring a magnificent solo goal from the back. 

Carter Karamanov had a quick visit to the bench to sort out a bit of claret streaming from the nose. He came back on and put in a typically strong defensive performance. 

A tackle and brilliant pass by Zeek Neelawala  started an attacking move that saw Art Neville and Charlie Kilpatrick combining to put pressure on the Nairne goal. 

A true YouTube highlight followed from a wonderful intercept and goal by C Karamanov. While the goal was excellent, it was outdone by his Ronaldo celebration and kiss to the heavens (leaving his mother confused as to what departed soul he was attributing the good fortune to). 

After sensational tackling and excellent passing from Eric Jager and Kealan Atkinson the half finished strongly with a wonderful goal by Will Neelawala following a run that saw him display some excellent ball control, leaving the Nairne defence with no chance. 

After oranges and watermelon at halftime (and a couple of minutes in the microwave for Brooklyn Karamanov to defrost), Hahndorf took to the pitch for the second half. 

The half started with two top draw goals from B Karamanov and Atkinson. Amazing solo runs from halfway followed by clinical finishes in the bottom left corner. 

The Carter was fully unleashed in the second half and continued his fine defensive display. Equally impressive in stopping attacks from Nairne was Jager, who was ever reliable as our last line of defence before Kilpatrick in goals. 

Neville consistently held a great position in the midfield and contributed to the upkeep of the pitch by thoroughly inspecting sticks and leaves present on the ground. 

A great passing combination from Jager, Atkinson and Z Neelawala forced a save from the Nairne keeper before the final whistle blew. A wonderful performance by the Hahndorf Under 8s leaving all parents glad they made the voyage.

What a windy day it was. Inspite of the challenging weather, we had a full turn out today. Great energy on the pitch. A tough competition again for us but some stella work on the field. Of particular note from my perspective was a great run down the right wing by our Michaela in the second half. She really took control of that ball. A fabulous save by Archer in the second half as well. Lots of muddy socks by the end of the match and some very cold parents. Well done to everyone for turnig up today. I know I'm going to enjoy being by the fire this afternoon!

Match Cancelled due to pitch conditions

In what can only be described as a battle against nature itself, Hahndorf and Mt Barker faced off in a fiercely contested football match on a terribly windy day. The gusts of wind proved to be a formidable opponent, challenging both teams' ability to control the ball. Right from the kick-off, Mt Barker relished kicking with the wind to get an early goal. Oliver Ramsey took up the role of goalkeeper in the first half, facing the daunting task of dealing with the wind's unpredictable nature. Despite the challenge, Ramsey showed great composure, making crucial saves throughout the half.

Nico Moran and Pearl Beasley played a crucial role in getting the ball into Hahndorf's front half, using their skill and technique to battle against the wind. Noah Duggan, Thomas Gould and Josh Blain relied on small direct passes, understanding that maintaining possession and quick, precise movements were key to overcoming the challenging conditions. Jasper Christou made his mark with some impressive long runs, utilising his speed and agility to create opportunities for Hahndorf.

The wind, relentless in its efforts, made its presence felt throughout the match, even attempting to steal the ball from the pitch on multiple occasions, the ball getting as far as the the exit ramp on one occasion.

As the second half commenced, both teams continued to fight against the wind, seeking to gain an advantage. Hahndorf applied early pressure on Mt Barker's goal, demonstrating their determination to level the playing field. Danny Morgan and Josh Blain emerged as a key figures, tirelessly clearing the ball out of danger and providing stability to the team.

Henley Crook proved to be a crucial defensive force for Hahndorf, skillfully blocking up the middle, with Duggan’s surges forward injecting a sense of urgency into Hahndorf's attacks, while Archie Keogh’s runs down the wing added a spark to their offensive play.

Keogh and Mason Saywell already impressive in the first half, showcased their defensive prowess in the second half, making crucial interventions and denying Mt Barker's advances. It was Moran who finally broke through the opposition's defense, scoring a goal, providing a glimmer of hope.

Yit Xuan took over the goalkeeping duties for Hahndorf in the second half, facing the daunting task of dealing with the wind's unpredictable nature. Despite the challenge, Xuan showed great agility and positioning, making some impressive saves.

However, Mt Barker managed to capitalise on their attacking opportunities, netting two more goals. Undeterred, Hahndorf fought back with determination. Gould, with a stunning strike, scored a goal that injected new energy into his team.

Morgan’s speed and Ramsey’s pressure up front kept the Mt Barker defence on their toes, while Mount Barker's defensive prowess resulted in big clearances.

All in all it was a tough morning at The Summit but both teams fought valiantly. It was a testament to the players' determination and adaptability that they managed to keep the game flowing and play some great football despite the challenges posed by the weather.

Summit hosted our Hahndorf under 17 team against Woodside Red this Saturday morning, due to unsuitability of our home pitch. Extreme wind conditions, once again in the back pitch, made it quite difficult for both teams.  Hahndorf kicked off for the first half to start at exactly 10:54, immediately applying pressure and dominating the centre.  Good passing game from our midfielders Oscar Johnson and Zara Tinsley-Smith but unfortunately, just six minutes at the game and a long pass from a woodside defender, with the help of the wind, found their striker alone with our keeper and he opened the score 0-1 with a close shot.  With the momentum at their side Woodside started to apply pressure at our half but solid defense from Rhys Davies and George Papakostas along with Oliver Combe, managed to turn that momentum at our teams benefit and give many opportunities to a very active Toby Thomas, which, a combination of wind and bad luck, didn’t help him to convert. Unfortunately the wind punished us once again on the 31st minute, as a result of a successful fast break from Woodside, saw Hahndorf down 0-2. That would be all for the team as double whistle marked the end of the first half.

Woodside kicks off for the second half and immediately tries to apply pressure to Hahndorf’s fast break led by Davies and Papakostas. Crucial saves from Thomas Boekel kept Hahndorf in the game. And then a monologue started from our team while Woodside was struggling in their half. Mitch Stribley and Stefan Panic at first led a crucial attack with the support of Lewis Johnson, Nicholas Brown and Oscar Johnson giving a very hard time to the defenders of Woodside. The payback for all that effort came shortly, just 16min in the second half, with Stephan Panic stealing the ball in their box and converting the opportunity in 1-2 with a nice shot. And that monologue continued till the end of the game, with numerous opportunities from Thomas and Davies.  Three whistles marked the end of the game, find Woodside players relieved and us with a bitter-sweet taste. Although it was faraway our best game played so far, the result didn’t reward us and definitely it doesn’t reflect the team’s performances, with all respect to Woodside Red player’s effort.

Congratulations to all team players and the manager for the game we witnessed today. Keep up the good work!!!

Round 8.                         Strathalbyn vs Woodside Rams   Venue Stathalbyn 

It was a winters winter day , the pitch was heavy from the rain that had fallen earlier in the week , the wind was blowing and the contest was a beckoning, 

Strathalbyn came out firing in the first 10 minutes and turned the Woodside Rams into dumb founded Statues as they ran around us like we weren’t moving. Finally we switched on and were here to fight back the half was almost over and we were still down by 2 then there was a contest between goalie and our full forward and the ball was past the goalie a finisher and yes we were only down by 1 now. Then suddenly with a spurt of adrennalin, we looked like scoring again within a minute, but it missed by the way side only just. 

 Woodside Rams wasn’t finished with yet. 

2nd Half came about and the battle was on again the ball was pushed into strathalbyns defence and was then back into our defence, but with an injured player back and the goalie showing some fierce determination, strath was not looking like scoring. Finally Woodside Rams youngest player got a toe on the ball which gave enough space for our Full forward to take possession and push forward. A shot on goal and scores were level with about 10 minutes remaining. 

 We continued to apply pressure to the finish, but could not get over the line a last time one hitting the post and a few going over the top . 

 We finished up with a Draw even though it felt like a victory as we had come from behind and stolen what looked like a lost game for sure. Great game girls. 

After widespread torrential rain, Strath’s miracle pitches remained playable, just. A fishtailing wind and a fishtailing game ensued. Stirling played a good possession game in the early minutes with the midfield of Zoe York, Auriana Healy, and Feiya Huang controlling the ball and recycling it, time and time again, to the attack featuring Zora Huang, Jess Verryt, and Polly Harrison. While Mount Barker’s defensive shape was excellent and blunted many attacks eventually Zora Huang pierced the armour to net Stirling first goal at 11 minutes. In reply, the Stirling defence of Jae Fitch, Emma Dalton, Isabelle Bailes and Nora Biljsma were composed and impenetrable. Five minutes on Polly Harrison took Stirling’s lead to 2-0 and they looked to be running away with the game. Mount Barker however were having none of it and proceeded to dominate the next phase of play to put Stirling under great pressure with several near misses and rebounds “off the woodwork”, and then at the 27th minute a goal (although it could easily have been two or more in reply at this stage). Stirling found some second wind and the game remained more balanced for the remainder of the half – but again Zora Huang found a way and netted a second goal just before half time to take Stirling into the break 3-1 up.

The second half resumed with both sides making some good attacks and the momentum swung quickly from end to end. Stirling wingers Rosalie Talyor and Jasmijn Weits made some pacey runs down the outers and were very unlucky on several occasions with shots just wide, or great keeping from Mt Barker, to deny them. Noa Ransom kept Barkers central defenders busy with some skilful footwork and distribution. Hannah Noonan meanwhile worked tirelessly in midfield to turn the game round again and again while Emma Dalton, Nora Biljsma and Jae Fitch fought some pitched battles to keep the Barker attack, mostly, under control with En Ueda in goals tidying up. Then Mt Barker scored a second at the 66th minute to make it 3-2 and the game was very much alive. Both sides had their chances but it was Stirling who generally controlled the play and had more opportunities with the highlights including a long-range free kick from Auriana Healy and that skimmed the cross bar, Noa Ransom hemmed and blocked by Barker defenders countless times just inside the 18-yard box, and some penetrating runs down left wing by Feiya Huang who eventually sealed the deal with Stirling’s 4th goal at 72 minutes.

After widespread torrential rain, Strath’s miracle pitches remained playable, just. A fishtailing wind and a fishtailing game ensued. Stirling played a good possession game in the early minutes with the midfield of Zoe York, Auriana Healy and Feiya Huang controlling the ball and recycling it, time and time again, to the attack featuring Zora Huang, Jess Verryt and Polly Harrison. While Mount Barker’s defensive shape was excellent and blunted many attacks eventually Zora Huang pierced the armour to net Stirling first goal at 11 minutes. In reply, the Stirling defence of Jae Fitch, Emma Dalton Isabelle Bailes and Nora Biljsma were composed and impenetrable. Five minutes on and Polly Harrison took Stirling’s lead to 2 and they looked to be running away with the game. Mount Barker however were having none of it and proceeded to dominate the next phase of play to put Stirling under great pressure with several near misses and rebounds “off the woodwork”, and then at the 27th minute a goal (although it could easily have been two or more in reply at this stage). Stirling found some second wind and the game remained more balanced for the remainer of the half – but again Zora Huang found away and netted a second goal just before half time to take Stirling into the break 3-1 up.

The second half resumed with both sides making some good attacks and the momentum swung quickly from end to end. Stirling wingers Rosalie Talyor and Jasmijn Weits made some pacey runs down the outers and were very unlucky on several occasions with shots just wide, or great keeping from Mt Barker, to deny them. Noa Ransom kept Barkers central defenders busy with some skilful footwork and distribution. Hannah Noonan meanwhile worked tirelessly in midfield to turn the game round again and again while Emma Dalton, Nora Biljsma and Jae Fitch fought pitched battles to keep the Barker attack, mostly, under control with En Ueda in goals tidying up. Then Mt Barker scored a second at the 66th minute to make it 3-2 and the game was very much alive. Both sides had their chances but it was Stirling who generally controlled the play and had more opportunities with the highlights including a long-range free kick from Auriana Healy and that skimmed the cross bar, Noa Ransom hemmed and blocked by Barker defenders countless times just inside the 18-yard box, and some penetrating runs down left wing by Feiya Huang who eventually sealed the deal with Stirling’s 4th goal at 72 minutes.